REVIEW: ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY at Chicago's Apollo Theater Through January 8, 2022

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List 

FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY…

ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY 

LANDS IN CHICAGO THIS JANUARY!

limited engagement, January 5-8, 2022

One-Man Star Wars Trilogy is recommended for all ages.

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

I still remember when the first Star Wars movie hit theaters in 1977. I invited a group of friends to see it for my epic 10th birthday party. Since then I've seen all the sequels, prequels and most of the spinoffs, and enjoyed introducing my own son and daughter to the franchise. I even brought them with me to see Charles Ross doing his now legendary One-Man Star Wars Trilogy back in 2016 when they were 13 and 15, and we all thought the show was a hoot. When I heard he was coming back around again for a 4 day run at The Apollo, I grabbed my friend, D'Arcy, and we braved the subzero weather and omicron surge to get our geek on. It was SO worth it. 

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

The audience was tiny but mighty, like a scrappy band of rebels, with a smattering of legendary locals in full comic con regalia. We take our LARPing seriously here in Chicago! 

ChiILin' With The Villains. Bonnie Kenaz-Mara (AKA: ChiIL Mama) & D'Arcy Mies

Seeing Charles Ross in action is like spending an hour with your funniest friend. He's a one man band of foley-worthy sound effects, physical theatre action, funny faces, and rapid-fire monologuing complete with accents, seamlessly interspersed with improv banter. After twenty years and over 4,000 performances of the original Star Wars Trilogy on stage in a hilariously condensed Cliff Notes style, Ross still manages to make the material freshly funny. 

Photo Credit: Dean Kalyan

We laughed hard and immensely enjoyed this highly entertaining break from reality. This show is family friendly and recommended for anyone who's seen Star Wars, from diehard fans to those vaguely familiar. 

Charles Ross is a force to reckon with. His high energy performance is nothing short of incredulous and too much fun. I'm hopeful he'll be back in the Windy City some time soon with his One Man Lord of the Rings, which I have not seen. 

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

One final note. I'm a sucker for show themed drinks and Apollo's got some boozy doozies. Come early so you have time to enjoy them in the lobby before the show, since you can't presently bring them to your seat. 

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

When it comes to reenacting the Star Wars saga, with the speed of a light saber battle, and the joy of childhood, Charles Ross nails it, with his One-Man Star Wars Trilogy.  Don't miss this! 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theater critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Start the new year off with a journey through space and time with One-Man Star Wars Trilogy, created by Charles Ross, presented by Right Angle Entertainment! Join Charles for a fast and furious live solo performance of the original trilogy of Star Wars movies (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), directed by TJ Dawe. This limited engagement runs January 5-8, 2022 at Apollo Theater Chicago, located at 2550 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.   

Canadian actor and uber geek, Charles Ross, brings his solo madcap creation One-Man Star Wars Trilogy to the stage in this mind-bending whirlwind of a show. Ross retells the classic bad hair trilogy in 60 minutes- no costumes, no props, no sets- all the characters, the music, the ships, and the battles. 

If your kid’s name is Chewbacca, this show is a no-brainer. If not, get your nerd on and experience the global sensation loved by audiences from London’s West End, Off-Broadway, Dubai, the Sydney Opera House, Lucasfilm, and Charlie’s mom. The Force is strong with this one.

Tickets for are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, by calling (773) 935-6100, or by visiting the box office at Apollo Theater Chicago.  

One-Man Star Wars Trilogy performed with permission of Lucasfilm Ltd. All ‘Star Wars’ elements property of Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

About the Artist

Charles Ross may have the best job in the world: professional Geek.

Born in the town of Prince George, in British Columbia, Canada. Charlie’s family moved to the wee town of Nelson, BC, a gorgeous little place featured in movie Roxanne. He first discovered the theatre.  Drama teachers gave him a way to focus his energy—igniting a lifelong passion for performing.

Charlie studied theatre at the University Victoria’s Theatre program. Since graduation he’s been happily writing, performing and touring solo shows. He sometimes misses being in big shows with a big casts.  

His community tends to be spread pretty far and wide. 

Since 2002,  legions of Tolkien and Star Wars have attended One Man Star Wars and One Man Lord of the Rings, enriching Charlie’s life with their own sense of community. Charlie has toured the globe for the last 20 years, delighting audiences with his unique and frenetic solo stage shows. 

Fandom is a community, theatre is community, and when I make a new show about something I love, I feel like it is what keeps my community together.

Licensed by DISNEY and MIDDLE EARTH MEDIA, Charlie has lent his voice and stage talent, carrying the official banner of STAR WARS and LORD OF THE RINGS. HBO even had Charlie create and star in One Man Star Wars commercials to promote on SHOWCASE.

You may have seen Charlie on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Last Call With Carson Daley, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. 

Check out: charlesstuartross.com and onemanstarwars.com

Photo Credit: Dean Kalyan

Check with Apollo Theater's website for the latest on covid protocols. Vaccine records upon entry and masks are required for the duration of the show. 

Upcoming Production from Right Angle Entertainment

WORLD PREMIERE!

Bachelor: The Unauthorized Musical Parody

Book and Lyrics by Richelle Meiss

Music by Sam Johnides and Tony Gonzalez aka The Sam & Tony Show

January 13 – February 13, 2022

Bachelor: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is the most dramatic unauthorized musical parody of The Bachelor yet! With songs like "Sob Story," "Two-On-One Tango," and "The Date Card is a Riddle," this uproarious parody is packed with romance, competition, and contestants who may or may not be here for The Right Reasons.  Whether you love The Bachelor, only watch The Bachelor with your girlfriend, or have never seen The Bachelor, get ready to fall in love with this musical. Who will get the final rose? Who will go home heartbroken? And how many Bachelor jokes can they cram into a 90-minute musical?  You’ll just have to come pick up your rose and find out!

Bachelor: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is recommended for ages 13+.

www.bachelorthemusical.com/

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Friends! The Musical Parody

Book & Lyrics by Bob & Tobly McSmith

Music by Assaf Gleizner

March 3 – April 3, 2022

Friends! The Musical Parody is the comedic musical that lovingly pokes fun at TV’s Friends, celebrating the adventures of your favorite group of 20-something friends as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life and love in 1990s Manhattan.  It’s a typical day at New York’s only coffee shop, Central Perk, until an unexpected runaway bride enters the picture and kicks the whole gang out of second gear! The musical recreates our favorite moments from all 10 years of Friends through an uncensored, fast-paced, music-filled romp.

FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY is recommended for ages 13+.

www.friendsparodyontour.com 

RIGHT ANGLE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital and concert events. RAE’s proud roster includes: America's Got Talent Live!, The Price is Right LIVE!, The Masked Singer National Tour, The Simon and Garfunkel Story, The Office! An Unauthorized Musical Parody (Off Broadway and National Tour), FRIENDS! A Musical Parody (Off-Broadway and National Tour), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (National Tour and Grand Old Opry), Together Live with Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle, Sasha Velour’s Smoke & Mirrors Tour, among many others.

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

OPENING: DJEMBE! THE SHOW at Apollo Theater Chicago, Thursday, April 11, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

With a drum on every seat,

U.S. Premiere of high energy theatrical experience

DJEMBE! THE SHOW

Officially opens at Apollo Theater Chicago, Thursday, April 11, 2019

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?! I've been eagerly anticipating the official opening for months now, since the initial rumblings about this show. I'll be there with a friend by my side and my hands on a djembe drum, opening night. Check back soon for my full review. I recently had an informal chat with someone on crew for this show and he said they have a unique way of introducing the group drumming so it's not chaotic or intimidating. I can't wait to check it out. 

Following a smash-hit international tour, the high energy musical experience, DJEMBE! The Show, makes its U.S. debut at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago) Thursday, April 11, at 7:30pm. 

With a djembe (JEM-bay) drum on every seat, the entire audience is invited to play along with performers on stage, creating a transformative musical theatrical experience like no other.  Leading this lively musical journey from ancient drumming to rock, pop and rap is the trio of Broadway talent Ben Hope (Once) as Emcee; critically-acclaimed Chicago musical theater artist Rashada Dawan (Caroline, or Change) on lead vocals; and Guinean master drummer and folklorist Fodé Lavia Camara, backed by an ensemble of world-class musicians.

DJEMBE! was originally created by British artist and social entrepreneur Doug Manuel and is co-written by Manuel and Director West Hyler (Jersey Boys, Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour on Broadway, iLuminate, Big Apple Circus).  The accomplished creative team includes Tony Award™-winner Todd Rosenthal (Scenic Design), Obie Award™-winner Montana Levi Blanco (Costumes), Zach Blane (Lighting), Ray Nardelli (Sound), Rasean Davonte Johnson (Projections), and musician and storyteller Seckou Keita (Lead African Artist).

DJEMBE! The Show is performed at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.   

Tickets range in price from $39.00 - $69.00 and are now on sale through May 12, 2019, at www.djembetheshow.com, the Apollo Theater box office, phone (773) 935-6100, and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

DJEMBE! The Show is recommended for audiences over the age of 10; children under six will not be admitted.  Single ticket discounts are available for students and seniors. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available through Group Theater Tix, (312) 423-6612, www.grouptheatertix.com.

For more information, visit www.djembetheshow.com.

OPENING: DRUM ALONG AT U.S. DEBUT OF DJEMBE! THE SHOW AT CHICAGO’S APOLLO THEATER BEGINNING MARCH 19, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

BANG A DRUM.  FEEL THE PASSION. ALL TOGETHER NOW!

FRESH, NEW INTERACTIVE THEATRICAL EVENT

DJEMBE! THE SHOW

MAKES U.S. DEBUT AT CHICAGO’S APOLLO THEATER

IN LIMITED ENGAGEMENT, BEGINNING MARCH 19, 2019

A drum on every seat invites audiences to play along on this ‘joyous musical journey’

led by Broadway and Chicago talent!

**DJEMBE! The Show is enjoyable for all ages with discounts for students and seniors**

This show looks like too much fun! Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we're all about powerful storytelling and inspiring music. And with Djembe! The Show, the audience gets to drum too. We can't wait to check it out. 

Following a smash-hit international tour, the new, interactive theatrical event, DJEMBE! The Show, makes its U.S. debut at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago), for a strictly limited engagement starting performances on March 19, 2019 (with an official premiere on Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.). DJEMBE! (JEM-bay) will engage audiences in a high-energy program of powerful storytelling and inspiring music, including iconic pop hits. Leading this lively musical journey will be the trio of Broadway talent Ben Hope (Once) as Emcee; critically-acclaimed Chicago musical theater artist Rashada Dawan (Caroline, or Change) on lead vocals; and Guinean master drummer and folklorist Fodé Lavia Camara, backed by an ensemble of world-class musicians.

DJEMBE! was originally created by British artist and social entrepreneur Doug Manuel and is co-written by Manuel and Director West Hyler (Jersey Boys, Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour on Broadway, iLuminate, Big Apple Circus). 

The accomplished creative team includes Tony Award™-winner Todd Rosenthal (Scenic Design), Obie Award™-winner Montana Levi Blanco (Costumes), Zach Blane (Lighting), Ray Nardelli (Sound), Resean Davonte Johnson (Projections), and musician and storyteller Seckou Keita (Lead African Artist).

This U.S. debut is proudly presented by Ashley DeSimone Productions in partnership with TSG Theatricals.

“Upon seeing this show, I was immediately reminded of how I felt at Blue Man Group when that show first launched: exhilarated, transported, alive. DJEMBE! is an uplifting journey that I think individuals, friends and families all want to experience right now.  Audiences can choose to interact musically with our storytellers, which is surprisingly fun and also unique,” said DeSimone.  “We are delighted to have our initial U.S. home be in Chicago.”

Added Manuel, “What’s particularly exciting is the transformative nature of the experience when there are more than four hundred people in the audience playing music together. Versions of DJEMBE! have already been used by companies including Google, McDonald’s, IBM, Nestle, and Procter & Gamble to illustrate the importance of collaboration and community.  World-class entertainment, but with an important message.  One of our biggest fans is Oprah Winfrey, who chose DJEMBE! to open one of her OWN SuperSoul sessions!”

Lead cast bios:

Ben Hope (Emcee) made his Broadway debut in 2012 as the original replacement for the lead role in the Tony Award-winning musical Once. He has also traveled the world playing such notable musical greats as Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Woody Guthrie, and Johnny Cash, among other more traditional musical theatre roles. Hope is the leader of the NYC-based honky-tonk band Ben Hope & The Uptown Outfit and is honored to be among these incredibly talented musicians for his debut in Chicago area theater.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Rashada Dawan (Vocalist) toured for four years with Disney's The Lion King Las Vegas company and in the Gazelle National Tour as Shenzi (affectionately known as "the Whoppi Goldberg hyena"). Other credits include: Caroline, or Change (Firebrand Theatre), Elf (Paramount), A Red Line Runs Through It (Second City), The Nutcracker (Lincolnshire Marriott), Aida (MUNY), Big River (Boho Theatre), Once On This Island (Yellow Alligator Theatre), TV/Film: The Red Line (CBS), Proven Innocent (Fox), Empire (Fox), Easy (Netflix)  

Fodé Lavia Camara (Lead djembe drummer) is a master drummer, folklorist, percussionist and choreographer who exemplifies the new generation in the preservation of West African traditions and the influence of these traditions on the world. Among his performance credits, in 2000, after an international search, Camara was recruited to Senegal’s Ballets D’Afrique Noire for a 32-city tour of the United States as lead drummer in a production entitled Mandinka Epic. He teaches annually at Kumandi African Drum and Dance Camp and tours nationally and internationally as an instructor, choreographer, and guest artist.

DJEMBE! The Show will be performed at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, in a strictly limited engagement, March 19 - June 2, 2019: Tuesdays - Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $39.00 - $69.00 and are now on sale at www.djembetheshow.com, the Apollo Theater box office, phone (773) 935-6100, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Enjoy special pricing in the first week of preview performances (March 19-24) when all tickets are priced at $39.00. DJEMBE! The Show is enjoyable for all ages; single ticket discounts are available for students and seniors. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available through Group Theater Tix, (312) 423-6612, www.grouptheatertix.com.

The Apollo Theater, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including, most recently, Million Dollar Quartet, which became the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

Ashley DeSimone runs her namesake producing office, Ashley DeSimone Productions, where she brings new plays and musicals to the stage, and manages Fortune Theatrical Ventures, an investment portfolio focused on global live entertainment projects for clients and theater fans who want to own what they love. DeSimone has produced theater on Broadway, Off Broadway, in the West End, at U.S. regional theaters and in markets all over the world.  www.ashleydesimoneproductions.com

The Seelig Group (“TSG”) is a private media and entertainment investment, production and advisory firm which manages both TSG Theatricals and TSG Entertainment. TSG Theatricals is a production company that acquires, develops, produces, and presents a broad portfolio of live entertainment for international markets. Since 2012, TSG Entertainment has been the exclusive co-financing partner of 20th Century Fox, resulting in a library of 90+ films. TSG Theatricals is managed by Chip Seelig, Jovan Hannah, and Ophelia Chua.    

Foresight Theatrical is an industry leader in general management services for Broadway and touring productions. Foresight has managed some of the most famous shows of all time, including Les Misérables, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and the longest-running production in Broadway history, The Phantom of the Opera.  In addition, the current roster of productions includes the Tony Award-winning Kinky Boots in London and Australia, The Band's Visit, The Lifespan of a Fact, King Kong, The Prom, Girl From The North Country at The Public Theater and Moulin Rouge!

For more information on DJEMBE! The Show, click HERE.

ADULT NIGHT OUT: “THRONES! THE MUSICAL PARODY”

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

“THRONES! THE MUSICAL PARODY” RETURNS SEPTEMBER 15 TO APOLLO THEATER FOR AN EXTENDED RUN FOLLOWING THIS SUMMER’S PREVIEW PERFORMANCES

Hold the door! “Thrones! The Musical Parody,” is returning to the Apollo Theater Chicago (2540 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago) September 15 following a successful start to performances earlier this summer. Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, we're huge GOT fans and we've felt a bit aimless without our weekly watch parties. For now our watch has ended while we eagerly await the making of a new season. Winter IS coming, but it's not here yet. This fall we'll be over at Chicago's Apollo Theatre for opening night of “Thrones! The Musical Parody”. Check back after Sept 21st for our full review. In the meantime, check out the scoop here:

The Hit “Game of Thrones” Parody Plans National Tour Stops Later This Year

From the creative team behind “Baby Wants Candy” and “50 Shades! The Musical Parody,” the fall run of the “Game of Thrones” send-up features 21 original songs and plot lines through Season 6 of the critical hit, performed by a Chicago-based ensemble including many of the actors from the summer preview run. Tickets ($59 - $39) for the new block of performances go on sale August 22 and can be purchased at the Apollo Theater Box Office by calling 773.935.6100 or visiting ApolloChicago.com. For ticket inquiries for groups of 10 or more, call Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612. 

In addition to the run in Chicago, “Thrones! The Musical Parody” is performing at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival through August 29, marking the production’s second year performing at the largest arts festival in the world. Following these two runs, the parody plans to make national stops throughout U.S., with exact locations to be announced at a later date.

“Chicago has embraced ‘Thrones! The Musical Parody’ with open arms, and our ensemble has brought this comedy to life with endless energy and talent,” said Executive Producer Emily Dorezas. “With the show’s refreshingly funny pop culture and ‘Game of Thrones’ references tied together with catchy score, we’re excited to bring more performances this fall to the Apollo for audiences to experience.”

Based off of HBO’s phenomenally successful “Game of Thrones,” “Thrones! The Musical Parody” asks audiences: Will Tyrion’s accent ever improve? Can Jon Snow possibly know more than nothing? Just how red can the Red Wedding get? With Game of Thrones references through Season 6 (read: spoilers), audiences can expect dashing men battling White Walkers, ravishing women riding fire-breathing dragons, and the infamous Walk of Shame—all set to an original score. “Thrones! The Musical Parody” debuted to completely sold-out performances in August 2015 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a sold-out, limited run at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and was hailed as “darkly humorous and beautifully vulgar” (Edinburgh Festival Magazine) and “A resounding success!” (Sunday Times Scotland).

“Thrones! The Musical Parody” is written by Chris Grace, Zach Reino, Al Samuels and Dan Wessels. The production is directed by Hannah Todd, choreographed by Tyler Sawyer Smith and produced by Emily Dorezas, Rob Kolson, and Al Samuels. The creative team includes Thomas O. Mackey III (Set Designer), Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Amanda Gladu (Costume Designer), Patrick Ham (Prop Designer) and R&D Choreography (Violence Design).

Performances for “Thrones! The Musical Parody” include Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

To learn more about “Thrones!” visit the website, and follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

About Baby Wants Candy

“Baby Wants Candy” has performed over 2,000 completely improvised musicals to thousands of fans from Chicago to New York to Singapore to Scotland. Currently, “Baby Wants Candy” runs in Chicago at the Apollo Theater, in Los Angeles at UCB Sunset and tours internationally.  A cutting edge theatrical experience, the performance features a revolving cast of A-list comedic performers and a full band.

“Baby Wants Candy” begins with the cast asking the audience for a suggestion of a musical that has never been performed before. Accompanied by a full band, the first title that the group hears becomes the title and theme for that evening’s 60-minute show, featuring a roller coaster ride of spontaneously choreographed dance numbers, rhyming verses, and witty jaw-dropping comedy.  Each performance is its own opening and closing night, and by design every show is completely unique and a once–in a lifetime premiere.

“Baby Wants Candy” has received rave reviews in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Onion, the Chicago Sun-Times, TimeOut New York and more and has received numerous awards and was the Winner of FringeNYC’s Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience, Best Improv Ensemble by Chicago Magazine, the Best Visiting Comedy Ensemble by TimeOut New York, the recipient of the Ensemble of the Year Award at the Chicago Improv Festival, a rare Sixth Star Award Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“Baby Wants Candy” has included several notable performers including Peter Gwinn of Colbert Report, Rachel Dratch and Aidy Bryant of Saturday Night Live; Stephnie Weir of MadTV; Nicole Parker of MadTV and Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway; Jack McBrayer of 30 Rock; Al Samuels and Kevin Fleming of Sports Action Team; Thomas Middleditch of Silicon Valley; Garry W. Tallent of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; Mark Pender of The Max Weinberg 7 and Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band; and Johnny Pisano of the Jesse Malin Band and The Marky Ramone Band. Members of Baby Wants Candy have recently written the hit Off Broadway show “50 Shades! The Musical Parody”

About Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including the recent Million Dollar Quartet, which holds the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

ADULT NIGHT OUT: APOLLO THEATER IN CHICAGO PRESENTS “THRONES! THE MUSICAL PARODY”

“THRONES! THE MUSICAL PARODY” ASCENDS THE WALL THIS SUMMER 

AT APOLLO THEATER IN CHICAGO

Created By the Team Behind “Baby Wants Candy” and “50 Shades! The Musical Parody,” “Thrones!” Makes its United States Debut July 21 – August 21

Suffering from GOT withdrawal? I didn't watch for the first few seasons, but once I started I was hooked. I binge watched everything up until the past two seasons, which we watched in real time. We've even had weekly Game of Thrones watching parties complete with drinks and appetizers. I felt a hollow emptiness when the season ended yet again and the long waiting game began. Now there's something to fill the void, “Thrones! The Musical Parody”. 

This Summer, Winter is coming. “Thrones! The Musical Parody” arrives at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Ave) in July with its United States and Chicago preview, running July 21 through August 21. Scripted by members of the “Baby Wants Candy” and “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” creative team, “Thrones! The Musical Parody” debuted to completely sold-out performances in August 2015 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a sold-out, limited run at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. Hailed as “darkly humorous and beautifully vulgar” (Edinburgh Festival Magazine) and “A resounding success!” (Sunday Times Scotland), the production features a Chicago-based cast and creative team in its run at the Apollo Theater.

“Chicago is the perfect place for the US premiere of ‘Thrones! The Musical Parody,’ where audiences are smart, funny and receptive,” said Executive Producer Emily Dorezas. “This parody combines everything you want in a great musical—with a hilarious story line and incredible music—and includes something for both the avid 'Game of Thrones' fan and musical theater fan alike.”

A send-up of HBO’s phenomenally successful “Game of Thrones,” “Thrones! The Musical Parody” asks audiences: Will Tyrion’s accent ever improve? Can Jon Snow possibly know more than nothing? Just how red can the Red Wedding get? With Game of Thrones plot twists through Season 6 (read: spoilers), audiences can expect dashing men battling White Walkers, ravishing women riding fire-breathing dragons, and the infamous Walk of Shame—all set to a catchy, original score. 

The performance schedule is as follows: Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. (excluding August 13; performance at 10 p.m. that day) and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets ($29 - $44) are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Apollo Theater Box Office by calling 773.935.6100 or visiting ApolloChicago.com. For ticket inquiries for groups of 10 or more, call Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612.

Get Social

To learn more about “Thrones!” visit the website, and follow along on Facebook and Twitter. 

 “Thrones! The Musical Parody” is written by Chris Grace, Zach Reino, Al Samuels and Dan Wessels. The production is directed by Hannah Todd, choreographed by Tyler Sawyer Smith and produced by Emily Dorezas, Rob Kolson, and Al Samuels. The cast and creative team will be announced at a later date. 

About Baby Wants Candy

“Baby Wants Candy” has performed over 2,000 completely improvised musicals to thousands of fans from Chicago to New York to Singapore to Scotland. Currently, “Baby Wants Candy” runs in Chicago at the Apollo Theater, in Los Angeles at UCB Sunset and tours internationally.  A cutting edge theatrical experience, the performance features a revolving cast of A-list comedic performers and a full band.

 “Baby Wants Candy” begins with the cast asking the audience for a suggestion of a musical that has never been performed before. Accompanied by a full band, the first title that the group hears becomes the title and theme for that evening’s 60-minute show, featuring a roller coaster ride of spontaneously choreographed dance numbers, rhyming verses, and witty jaw-dropping comedy.  Each performance is its own opening and closing night, and by design every show is completely unique and a once–in a lifetime premiere.

 “Baby Wants Candy” has received rave reviews in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Onion, the Chicago Sun-Times, TimeOut New York and more and has received numerous awards and was the Winner of FringeNYC’s Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience, Best Improv Ensemble by Chicago Magazine, the Best Visiting Comedy Ensemble by TimeOut New York, the recipient of the Ensemble of the Year Award at the Chicago Improv Festival, a rare Sixth Star Award Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

 “Baby Wants Candy” has included several notable performers including Peter Gwinn of Colbert Report, Rachel Dratch and Aidy Bryant of Saturday Night Live; Stephnie Weir of MadTV; Nicole Parker of MadTV and Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway; Jack McBrayer of 30 Rock; Al Samuels and Kevin Fleming of Sports Action Team; Thomas Middleditch of Silicon Valley; Garry W. Tallent of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; Mark Pender of The Max Weinberg 7 and Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band; and Johnny Pisano of the Jesse Malin Band and The Marky Ramone Band. Members of Baby Wants Candy have recently written the hit Off Broadway show “50 Shades! The Musical Parody”

 

About Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including the recent Million Dollar Quartet, which holds the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

LAST CALL: MARC SALEM’S MIND OVER CHICAGO CLOSING 4/10

MARC SALEM’S MIND OVER CHICAGO

The world’s foremost mentalist and purveyor of mind games, Marc Salem

takes Chicago audiences on a thrilling journey into the human mind

“Hide your thoughts! Marc Salem is in town!”  –The New York Times

“Jaw dropping and very funny!” –The New Yorker

Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago has been extended through Sunday, April 10th. 

Here at ChiIL Mama, we had the great pleasure of catching Marc Salem on opening night and we highly recommend his show. In the CGI world we live in today, it's harder and harder to believe in the seeming impossible or to truly astound an audience. Marc Salem baffles and bemuses in the best possible way. When the show was over, there was a lingering camaraderie among the crowd, as we felt like we all knew more about each other than strangers in an audience generally do, and yet we collectively knew nothing of how Marc pulled off his mentalist machinations. We left thoroughly entertained and with a childlike delight at being duped.

Worlds Collide Alert:

As if our initial encounter wasn't mind blowing enough, we had another chance to hang out with Marc Salem and he impressed me just as much. This guy's obviously at home on stage, in his familiar set. Yet he was open to pushing the boundaries, not only mentally, but physically. He actually tried a wind tunnel at the press opening of the newest iFLY, the indoor sky diving phenomenon. Marc was willing to leave his comfort zone and take flight, then read minds! 

We do love it when our friends play well together! It was truly a treat to see these two worlds collide. We highly recommend trying iFLY and catching Marc in action in Chicago and beyond. 

More About Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago

The newly designed and renovated Apollo Theater Chicago, 2540 N Lincoln Ave, is excited to present a special limited engagement of Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago, the latest interactive show in Marc Salem’s Mind Over… series, created with tasty local flavor specifically for the Windy City.

Amazing and amusing, Marc’s theatrical creations have been hailed as “NOT TO BE MISSED!” by ABC News and “A SUREFIRE ‘you-gotta-see-this-show’ SHOW!” by Variety. Both fascinating and psychological, his performances have been enjoyed by millions around the world from Broadway and the West End to the Sydney Opera House and Singapore, earning him the name “The King of the Mind-Readers” by Time Out.

Marc’s mystifying techniques and quick wit “break the lock” on the minds of randomly selected audience members. He has had the pleasure of outwitting such well-known celebrities as Sting, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Donald Trump, Arthur Miller, Paul Newman, Prince Andrew, Judi Dench, Ronald Reagan, Michael Strahan, Bruce Willis, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Vice President Joe Biden, New York Mayors Koch, Giuliani & Bloomberg, Chicago’s own Oprah Winfrey, and many more.

Remaining performances will be Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Some performances may vary so call the box office or visit the website to confirm. Tickets are: $50. Student, Military and Group discounts are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Apollo Theater Chicago at 773.935.6100 or visit http://www.apollochicago.com/.

TICKETS:

$50 Student, Military & Group discounts available

773.935.6100 or visit http://www.apollochicago.com

Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago is produced by Richard Friedman and Rob Kolson. “I am delighted to be working again with my old friend Rob Kolson,” said Friedman. “We first worked together on his smash hit show Do the White Thing at the Organic Theater and then we co-produced the long-running Always….Patsy Cline during its extended run at the Apollo Theater Chicago and Victory Gardens Theaters. Marc Salem twice performed his show at my home company, Theater at the Center in Munster, IN, and I realized that, although he's performed on Broadway, the West End, and in many other countries, he’d never had a show within the Chicago city limits. That is about to change in a few short weeks and I think Chicago’s collective mind is about to be blown.”

Marc Salem (creator/performer)

As the world’s leading mentalist, Marc Salem has been featured on: Through the Wormhole (narrated by Morgan Freeman); the fascinating series Brain Games; a 60-Minutes profile; and his own upcoming series on the National Geographic Channel, Mind Games, set to premiere in May. Holding degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University, Marc Salem has been an authority on non-verbal communication for over 30 years, serving on the faculty of major universities for nearly 20 years. This jaw-dropping entertainer has traveled the world, amazing audiences while exploring the fascinating potential of the human mind. Marc completed three sell-out seasons in London and has had two extended runs on Broadway. He is seen regularly on COURT TV, and was a director of research at Sesame Street for ten years. He has been featured on The O’Reilly Factor, The Howard Stern Show, Montel, Maury, Regis, and CNN, along with hundreds of other television and radio appearances.

Apollo Theater Chicago

The Apollo Theater Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including, most recently, Million Dollar Quartet, which became the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater Chicago include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater Chicago’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

OPENING: MARC SALEM’S MIND OVER CHICAGO IS COMING TO THE APOLLO THEATER CHICAGO

MARC SALEM’S MIND OVER CHICAGO

The world’s foremost mentalist and purveyor of mind games, Marc Salem

takes Chicago audiences on a thrilling journey into the human mind

“Hide your thoughts! Marc Salem is in town!”  –The New York Times

“Jaw dropping and very funny!” –The New Yorker

Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago begins previews on Sunday, February 7 and will run through Sunday, March 27. 

ChiIL Mama will be there for opening night so check back soon after for our full review both here and at our sister site, ChiIL Live Shows.  

The newly designed and renovated Apollo Theater Chicago, 2540 N Lincoln Ave, is excited to present a special limited engagement of Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago, the latest interactive show in Marc Salem’s Mind Over… series, created with tasty local flavor specifically for the Windy City.

Amazing and amusing, Marc’s theatrical creations have been hailed as “NOT TO BE MISSED!” by ABC News and “A SUREFIRE ‘you-gotta-see-this-show’ SHOW!” by Variety. Both fascinating and psychological, his performances have been enjoyed by millions around the world from Broadway and the West End to the Sydney Opera House and Singapore, earning him the name “The King of the Mind-Readers” by Time Out.

Marc’s mystifying techniques and quick wit “break the lock” on the minds of randomly selected audience members. He has had the pleasure of outwitting such well-known celebrities as Sting, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Donald Trump, Arthur Miller, Paul Newman, Prince Andrew, Judi Dench, Ronald Reagan, Michael Strahan, Bruce Willis, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Vice President Joe Biden, New York Mayors Koch, Giuliani & Bloomberg, Chicago’s own Oprah Winfrey, and many more.

Most performances will be Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a special Monday night performance on February 29 at 7:30 p.m. Some performances may vary so call the box office or visit the website to confirm. Tickets are: $50 ($35 for previews). Student, Military and Group discounts are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Apollo Theater Chicago at 773.935.6100 or visit http://www.apollochicago.com/.

PERFORMANCES:

FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 7; 2:30 p.m. (Preview)

Saturday, February 13; 4:00 p.m. (Preview)

Saturday, February 13; 8:00 p.m. (Press Opening)

Sunday, February 14; 3:30 p.m. (Special VALENTINE’S DAY show)

Saturday, February 20; 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 20; 8:00 p.m.

(NO SUNDAY SHOW THIS WEEK)

(NO SATURDAY SHOW THIS WEEK)

Sunday, February 28; 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 28; 7:00 p.m.

Monday, February 29; 7:30 p.m. (Special LEAP DAY show)

MARCH

Every Saturday, 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Every Sunday, 3:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

TICKETS:

$50 ($35 Previews); Student, Military & Group discounts available

773.935.6100 or visit http://www.apollochicago.com

Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago is produced by Richard Friedman and Rob Kolson. “I am delighted to be working again with my old friend Rob Kolson,” said Friedman. “We first worked together on his smash hit show Do the White Thing at the Organic Theater and then we co-produced the long-running Always….Patsy Cline during its extended run at the Apollo Theater Chicago and Victory Gardens Theaters. Marc Salem twice performed his show at my home company, Theater at the Center in Munster, IN, and I realized that, although he's performed on Broadway, the West End, and in many other countries, he’d never had a show within the Chicago city limits. That is about to change in a few short weeks and I think Chicago’s collective mind is about to be blown.”

Marc Salem (creator/performer)

As the world’s leading mentalist, Marc Salem has been featured on: Through the Wormhole (narrated by Morgan Freeman); the fascinating series Brain Games; a 60-Minutes profile; and his own upcoming series on the National Geographic Channel, Mind Games, set to premiere in May. Holding degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University, Marc Salem has been an authority on non-verbal communication for over 30 years, serving on the faculty of major universities for nearly 20 years. This jaw-dropping entertainer has traveled the world, amazing audiences while exploring the fascinating potential of the human mind. Marc completed three sell-out seasons in London and has had two extended runs on Broadway. He is seen regularly on COURT TV, and was a director of research at Sesame Street for ten years. He has been featured on The O’Reilly Factor, The Howard Stern Show, Montel, Maury, Regis, and CNN, along with hundreds of other television and radio appearances.

Apollo Theater Chicago

The Apollo Theater Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including, most recently, Million Dollar Quartet, which became the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater Chicago include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater Chicago’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.